Much Room for Mushrooms

When to Start: early springAt Their Best: summerTime to Complete: 1 hour

Materials Needed:

mushroom kit

measuring cup

Fill Box With Soil

Box kits come with mushroom soil that has been injected with mycelium, and a "casing layer" that holds water and protects the developing mushrooms. First, line the box with a plastic bag (most kits come with this too) and add the mushroom soil.

Preparing Mushroom Casing

Ruffle the Surface

Empty the contents of the bag onto the soil in the box. Spread the casing evenly over the soil and ruffle the surface with a small fork. This creates a microclimate where the young mushrooms can form. Rest the lid at an angle on the box so that air can circulate.

Soil and a Micro Climate for Mushrooms

Check Daily

Place the box in a warm spot at 68–75 degrees F, but not near a heat source. After a few days, white mycelium will form on the surface. Remove the lid and place in a dark spot at 61–68 degrees F. Mist to keep the soil moist. Mushrooms should appear after six days.

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